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95.07.00c

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Richard Harvey, 1895-07 [95.07.00c]. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id//letters/1890-6/1895/95-07-00c-final.odt>, accessed June 4, 2026

1
Letter not found. The text given here (B95.07.02) is quoted in a letter dated 10 July to the Editor by R. R. Harvey, M.B., of Wentworth, headlined 'The tobacco tree', Australasian, 20 July 1895, p. 104. Harvey's letter commences, 'This plant, known as
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, was originally introduced from South America for the purpose of planting on shifting sands, and is one more instance of disappointment in acclimatisation. Sir F. von Mueller, in response to an inquiry from me, says'.
It is very much to be deplored that the
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found its way into Australia. The only means to exterminate it seems to be uprooting it wherever it exists or appears, and to burn the dislodged plants at once, so as to prevent them shedding seeds while lying shrivelled on the ground. The leaves and young branches of the tree tobacco could be used for an infusion to serve as a sheepwash, where such is necessary, as doubtless nicotin
2
'nicotine' in the reprint in Dubbo liberal and Macquarie advocate, 31 July 1895, p. 3 (B95.07.07).
is the poisonous principle in this species also.
3
Harvey's letter continues 'One suggestion I have offered to Sir F. von Mueller is that information should be sought from Argentina and Uruguay, the native home of this plant as to —1. What use is made of the plant? 2. What is the best means of exterminating it?'. Harvey's letter to M not found.